Titanium Dioxide Catalyst for Sulphur Dioxide Removal
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for removing sulphur dioxide from gaseous effluent, such as thermal reduction with methane or hydrogenation, face issues like high fuel consumption, soot formation, reduced sulphur recovery efficiency, and environmental concerns due to catalyst materials like iron and nickel.
Innovation Solution
The use of titanium dioxide as a catalyst to catalyze a reaction between carbon monoxide and sulphur dioxide to produce carbon dioxide and sulphur, operating at temperatures below 450°C, which also promotes the Claus reaction and hydrolysis of carbon-sulphur compounds without significant hydrogenation or shift reactions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If thermal reduction with methane is used to remove sulphur dioxide, then sulphur dioxide removal is achieved, but fuel consumption increases and soot formation occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the chemical reaction parameters by using carbon monoxide instead of methane as the reducing agent, and operating at lower temperatures (300-450°C) compared to thermal reduction. This parameter change achieves sulphur dioxide removal with significantly reduced fuel consumption and without soot formation.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces the thermal reduction mechanism with a catalytic reduction mechanism using titanium dioxide catalyst. This substitution allows the reaction to proceed at lower temperatures with carbon monoxide, eliminating the need for high fuel input and preventing soot formation while maintaining effective sulphur dioxide removal.
2Productivity
If hydrogenation catalysts are used to react reducing gases with sulphur dioxide, then reaction efficiency improves, but sulphur recovery efficiency decreases due to hydrogenation of sulphur and high reactor outlet temperatures
Solution Approach 1:
The invention uses titanium dioxide, a stable and non-consumable catalyst that does not degrade or form harmful byproducts like traditional hydrogenation catalysts. This catalyst maintains sulphur recovery efficiency while providing sustained reaction efficiency over time without the need for replacement or regeneration.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the catalyst material from iron, nickel or cobalt-based hydrogenation catalysts to titanium dioxide, which operates at lower temperatures and does not hydrogenate sulphur. This parameter change in catalyst composition maintains high reaction efficiency while preventing sulphur loss through hydrogenation and reducing reactor outlet temperatures.
3Productivity
If traditional hydrogenation catalysts containing iron, nickel or cobalt are used, then catalytic activity is achieved, but environmental issues arise from high sulphur dioxide emissions during shutdown and spent catalyst disposal
Solution Approach 1:
The invention uses titanium dioxide, a stable and non-toxic catalyst that does not require disposal like spent hydrogenation catalysts. The catalyst maintains its activity without forming harmful byproducts and does not emit sulphur dioxide during shutdown, eliminating environmental hazards associated with traditional catalysts.
Solution Approach 2:
The titanium dioxide catalyst creates an environmentally benign operation mode where no harmful emissions occur during shutdown or disposal. The catalyst's chemical stability ensures it does not react with air or release sulphur dioxide under normal operating conditions, creating a safe and environmentally friendly catalytic process.
4Use of energy by moving object
If thermal reduction processes operate with sub-stoichiometric natural gas and air, then fuel values are utilized, but the oxide form of catalyst is reduced to metallic form causing vulnerability to damage
Solution Approach 1:
The titanium dioxide catalyst is chemically stable and resistant to reduction even under sub-stoichiometric conditions. Unlike traditional catalysts that reduce to metallic form and become vulnerable, titanium dioxide maintains its oxide structure and catalytic activity, ensuring long-term reliability and stability without damage from reducing atmospheres.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach reduces natural gas consumption, minimizes soot formation, and enhances sulphur recovery efficiency while avoiding environmental issues associated with traditional catalysts, allowing for more efficient sulphur dioxide removal from industrial effluents.
Implementation Method 1
a catalyst is used to catalyse a reaction between carbon monoxide and sulphur dioxide to produce carbon dioxide and sulphur
Implementation Method 2
such catalysts do promote the reaction of hydrogen sulphide and sulphur dioxide (the 'Claus' reaction)
Implementation Method 3
and/or the hydrolysis of carbon-sulphur compounds
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a method for removing sulphur dioxide from gaseous effluent, wherein a mixture of gaseous outlet gasses or gaseous effluent includes sulphur dioxide and carbon monoxide, and wherein, to perform a catalytic reduction, a catalyst is used to catalyze a reaction between carbon monoxide and sulphur dioxide to produce carbon dioxide and sulphur.